Category Archives: Patient advice

Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) explained.

To determine if you are eligible for braces on the NHS, your Orthodontist will use the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) rating system – typically this is used for children aged 17 years and under.  If you receive Grades 1 or 2 then unfortunately you will not be eligible for NHS funded treatment, but if you score a Grade 4 or 5 then you will automatically be eligible.  The assessment usually takes around 20 minutes so you won’t have to wait weeks on end for an answer.  Here’s a breakdown of each grade:

Grade 1

Patients who score a Grade 1 will not have a sufficient health need for orthodontic braces as their teeth are considered ‘‘almost perfect.’’

Grade 2

Patients who score a Grade 2 are also not eligible for braces on the NHS as there isn’t a justified health need. 

Grade 3

If you receive a Grade 3, you could still be eligible for NHS funding, but your case is borderline and so your Orthodontist will need to consider the appearance of your teeth too, giving them an aesthetic score of 1 – 10.  If you receive a Grade 3 and an aesthetic score of 6 or above then you will qualify for NHS brace treatment.  Irregularities of teeth which are less than 4mm out of line (e.g. open bites of less than 4mm) or deep bites with no functional problems will not qualify for NHS treatment.

Grade 4

Severe degrees of irregularity will qualify for orthodontic treatment on the NHS. 

Grade 5

If you score a Grade 5 then you will have a health need for orthodontic treatment on the NHS. 

Examples of Grade 4/5

  • When teeth cannot sit within the mouth normally because of obstruction by crowding or additional teeth.
  • A number of missing teeth.
  • Upper front teeth that protrude more than 9mm.
  • Lower front teeth that protrude in front of the upper more than 3.5mm and where there are functional difficulties too.
  • Cranio-facial anomalies such as cleft lip and palate.

The second part of the IOTN is the Aesthetic Component.  The NHS recognises that some patients need and benefit from orthodontic treatment on the basis of poor aesthetics. The Aesthetic Component of the IOTN is a scale of 10 colour photographs (see below) showing different levels of dental attractiveness. The grading is made by the Orthodontist matching the patient to these photographs.

Braces available on the NHS

Patients who receive orthodontic care through the NHS will receive metal braces and will therefore not have the luxury of choosing their preferred brace type for themselves.  Metal braces are both efficient, they are made up of small metal brackets attached to each tooth which is controlled by a thin metal wire (it’s this wire that moves your teeth to the desired position and it will need tightening/adjusting approximately every 6 – 8 weeks throughout your treatment).

If you would like advice on whether your child qualifies or alternative treatment options we offer free no-obligation advice.

Contact us today at tco.stmichaelsortho@portmandental.co.uk or call 01924 380680

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Welcome back to our ‘new normal’

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In these strange times that we are living in, it’s been so good in recent weeks to be able to welcome our staff and patients back to St Michael’s Orthodontics.

Of course, as restrictions relating to Covid 19 still apply, it’s far removed from business as usual but with adjustments to procedures and extra safety measure in place, we are confident we are able to make our patients’ visits to us as reassuring and safe as possible.

So, what can you expect in this ‘new normal’ at St Michael’s Orthodontics?

  • Your treatment will be delivered by one of two designated professional, qualified clinical teams.
  • You will receive a health check call 24-48 hours before your appointment.
  • You will be asked to contact us from outside the building to let us know that you’ve arrived. When your clinical team is ready for you, we will escort you in.
  • You will be asked to attend your appointment alone.
  • Once inside, your temperature will be taken, you will be asked to sanitize your hands using alcohol gel and another health check for Covid symptoms will be carried out.
  • We will be practicing social distancing at all times except while treatment is being carried out.
  • After treatment you will be asked to re-sanitize your hands before leaving the treatment room and will be escorted out of the building.

These measures are being supported by rigorous cleaning procedures between each patient in treatment rooms and contact points along the route into and out of the building; a virtual reception service for arranging appointments and taking payments and the appropriate PPE – with strict processes for taking it on and off – for the treatment being provided.

Virtual appointments for retainer checks, initial assessments and treatment planning and appliance fitting are also being continued.

We appreciate that these new procedures will seem a bit strange at first but our fully trained staff are on hand to guide you through each step of the way. While you may not be able to see our own smiles behind the facemasks which have fast become part of normal life, you can be sure we remain committed to keeping your treatment on track to delivering your own healthy, beautiful smile.

 

By Catherine McCanny

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Digital treatment for patients in the face of Covid 19

MODERN technology is proving invaluable to us here at St Michael’s Orthodontics as we seek to continue our patients’ treatment remotely as part of Coronavirus restrictions.

Dental-Monitoring

As orthodontic treatment is progressive and often fast moving, patients are normally seen every eight weeks to review and adjust aligners and braces to help achieve the best result. However, prevented from treating our patients in person, we have turned to digital technology to help bridge the gap.

Thanks to digital dental monitoring, emailed photographs and video calls we are able to be in constant contact with patients and continue progressing their treatment.

Although relatively new, dental monitoring whereby patients take a weekly scan of their teeth and send it in to us, is invaluable in the treatment of people with aligners. Through these scans we are able to gauge the patient’s progress and, if required, send out new aligners to enable them to move on with their treatment.

We have been able to do something similar with patients just embarking on their treatment, posting out aligners and giving them instruction over Facetime on the fitting and wearing of them. Likewise, we are able to offer free virtual consultations with our specialist orthodontists via a link on our website for those considering having treatment.

For those just beginning to wear their aligners use of this technology is helping to reduce delays in treatment ensuring when we are next able to see them in person, they are already a month or so down the road to a perfect smile. While for potential patients it is providing a head start on treatment enabling us to use submitted photographs to review dental and gum health and prepare a provisional treatment plan ready for when they are able to attend the practice.

Patients with fixed braces and elastics are sending in photographs and thanks to video calls we can also take a closer look and advise accordingly.

While I miss meeting and treating our patients in person as well as the daily social interaction with the SMOL team, thankfully modern technology is coming to the rescue to a certain extent. It is ensuring we are able to continue treating our patients and provide reassurance where needed. It is even, thanks to a regular ‘virtual cup of tea’ with the team every couple of days, enabling us to keep in contact with colleagues and support each other through this very different way of working.

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Ready to smile with confidence?

So you’re ready to change your smile, but how do you choose an orthodontist?

Thinking

For over 20 years, Dr Catherine McCanny has been changing the lives of patients at St Michael’s Orthodontics. Aside from the attractive smile and self-esteem boost that orthodontic treatment offers, there are many other benefits to a straight smile such as improved oral hygiene.
 
No doubt if you are looking to begin your journey to a straighter smile you have done your research and will be familiar with the types of orthodontic appliance available. For many, understandably, the cost of treatment greatly impacts the decision for the practice you will choose for your treatment. “Why does the cost of treatment vary between different practices?” is a question we are often faced with. Many General Dental Practitioners are now expanding their scope of practice into the field of orthodontics, which is a factor that can affect the variation of treatment prices. Generally speaking, the cost of treatment provided by a Specialist Orthodontic Practice will be slightly more, but with that comes many advantages.  

What is an orthodontist?

Dentists and orthodontists both work to improve oral health. A dentist carries out general dental treatment, such as a check-up or fillings, however they may have a special interest in other areas like orthodontics or cosmetic dentistry. An orthodontist would firstly qualify as a dentist, then undergo 3 years of additional training to gain their Masters in Orthodontics. Specialist training means that an orthodontist would be able to carry out complex and comprehensive treatments.

Advantages of treatment with St Michael’s Orthodontics Ltd.

We specialise in the field of Orthodontics. Our clinicians exclusively work within the orthodontic field, meaning all the staff know the treatments inside out.

Our Principal Orthodontist has over 20 years’ experience in orthodontics, and more than 10 years’ experience of working with Invisalign. This year our orthodontist Catherine has reached her milestone of treating 500 patients using Invisalign and she has achieved Platinum Elite status, making her one of the most experienced Invisalign providers in the UK.  Last year Catherine was appointed a clinical speaker for Invisalign- a recognition of her experience and expertise in this field.
She is now a member of the UK Invisalign advisory board and has been appointed as the UK representative for the Invisalign Cookbook which she has developed with 4 other European orthodontists in sharing their secret recipes for growing a successful Invisalign practice.

Our treatment packages include: –

  • ITero scan which will show patients how their teeth will look after treatment
  • Additional aligners if needed to fine detail the position of the teeth
  • Emergency or any extra visits
  • Patient care pack
  • Fixed and removable retainers as needed to ensure the teeth remain in position
  • Before and after photographs
  • 3 sets of Invisalign Vivera retainers
  • An 18-month supervision of retention



We offer different finance packages to spread the cost of your treatment (including 0% finance).

We offer a range of orthodontic appliances. Fixed metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign First…so whatever your preference or concern we’re sure to have a solution.

We have won 17 awards including :-

Best orthodontic practice
Best Team
Best Invisalign case (on 3 occasions)
Best adult fixed appliance case
Best child/teenager fixed appliance case

All our staff are actively involved in the world of Orthodontics. We are all keen to progress with training, and stay updated with the most recent treatment techniques by attending the British Orthodontic conference annually.

We have two members of staff appointed the position of treatment coordinator. Our treatment coordinators are trained and experienced in communicating with patients to find the best way to work with you. They can offer advice, guidance and reassurance help patients discover all their options and what will work best for them.

We hope our guide to the advantages of seeking treatment with St Michael’s Orthodontics has helped in your decision making for your own smile transformation. There are also many benefits to orthodontic treatment with a specialist orthodontist, and as with most things it comes down to personal preference and what you feel would give you the best options.

If you would like to arrange a complimentary chat appointment with our treatment coordinator to find out your options for a straighter smile, call today on 01924380680 or email orthostmichaels@tiscali.co.uk

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How to spot mouth cancer

Beating mouth cancer is so dependent on diagnosing it at an early stage.

If it is caught early, the chances of surviving mouth cancer are nine out of ten – those odds are pretty good, and that’s why early detection is so important.

Sadly, far too many mouth cancers are not spotted early enough.

Mouth Cancer Action Month promotes the message ‘If in doubt, get checked out’. We encourage everybody to be mouthaware and pay more attention to what’s going on inside the mouth. Most importantly, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, it is essential that you tell your dentist or doctor immediately.

Checking for mouth cancer

As mouth cancer can strike in a number of places, including the lips, tongue, gums and cheeks, and given that early detection is so crucial for survival, it’s extremely important that we all know what to look out for.

Three signs and symptoms not to ignore are:

  • Red and white patches in the mouth.
  • Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area.

When checking for signs of mouth cancer you should follow the following routine:

Head and neck

Check if both sides look the same and search for any lumps, bumps or swellings that are only on one side of the face. Feel and press along the sides and front of your neck being alert to any tenderness or lumps to the touch.

Lips

Pull down your lower lip and look inside for any sores or changes in colour. Use your thumb and forefinger to feel the lip for any unusual lumps, bumps or changes in texture. Repeat this on the upper lip.

Cheek

Use your finger to pull out your cheek so that they can see inside. Look for red, white or dark patches.

Then place your index finger inside your cheek, with your opposing thumb on the outside gently squeeze and roll the cheek to check for any lumps, tenderness or ulcers, repeat this action on the other cheek.

Roof of the mouth

With your head tilted back and mouth open wide, your dentist will look to see if there are any lumps or if there is any change in colour. They will run their finger on the roof of your mouth to feel for any lumps.

Tongue

Examine your tongue, looking at the surface for any changes in colour or texture.

Stick out your tongue or move it from one side to another, again looking for any swelling, change in colour or ulcers. Finally, take a look at the underside of the tongue by placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

Floor of the mouth

Look at the floor of the mouth for changes in colour that are different than normal. Press your finger along the floor of your mouth and underside of your tongue to feel for any unusual lumps, swellings or ulcers.

If you find anything unusual in any of these areas, or are unsure of anything, visit your dentist or doctor as soon as possible.

Mouth aware

How can mouth cancer be detected early?

Mouth cancer can often be spotted in its early stages by your dentist during a thorough mouth examination. This happens during your routine dental check-up.

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Start your New Year with a healthier smile

As a New Year begins and we are all looking to live healthier lifestyles, don’t forget how important it is to maintain a healthy mouth.

smile 1

 

3 simple steps to improving your oral health:-

• Visit your dentist for regular check ups

• Brush your teeth for 3 minutes at least twice a day (and remember to floss in between your teeth)

• Cut down your sugar intake especially snacking between meals

If you are unhappy with how your teeth look, now is the time to seek advice from your orthodontist on how we can make your teeth look better.

There are many health benefits to straight teeth and these may include:-

• Simpler brushing: Crooked teeth are harder to clean, allowing food particles to get trapped in the crevices between the teeth. If plaque builds up this can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.

• Healthier gums: When teeth are crooked, the gums can become irritated, inflamed and red. These characteristics not only look bad, but also are a warning sign of gum disease.

• Tooth function: Teeth and jaws that are misaligned can cause unequal pressure on some teeth leading to abnormal wear or gum recession.

• Improved speech: Sometimes the simple formation of sounds and the enunciation of words can be a challenge for those with very prominent teeth or with an open bite (i.e. no vertical overlap of the top & bottom teeth). If the teeth are put in a better position this may make it easier to produce the correct sounds correctly.

So, what are you waiting for?

Contact our team of experts today and make 2018 the year you transform your smile!

Contact us: orthostmichaels@tiscali.co.uk or check out our website: https://www.stmichaelsorthodontics.co.uk/ or www.invisiblebraces-yorkshire.co.uk

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BE MOUTHAWARE: 45 SECONDS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

M C

Are you able to recognise the changes in your mouth? That’s the question posed by St Michaels Orthodontics Ltd as they support a charity campaign to raise awareness of mouth cancer.

The orthodontic practice, based Wakefield is urging West Yorkshire residents to be more Mouthaware and recognise the early warning signs of mouth cancer, ahead of November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month.

With awareness of the disease remaining alarmingly low, St Michaels Orthodontcs say that a simple 45 second check is often all that’s needed to identify anything unusual and be able to then seek professional guidance.

  • Early diagnosis transforms our chances of beating mouth cancer from 50 per cent to 90 percent so it is crucial that we know what to look out for and that we do not hesitate in seeking advice from a health professional.
  • A mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area, can all be potential signs of mouth cancer so it’s important to be aware of any changes occurring inside your mouth.
  • Quite often it is easier to notice lumps and bumps on the outside of the body or to dismiss a mouth ulcer as benign. Most of us will spend at least a few minutes every day in front of a mirror brushing our teeth so while we’re there it makes sense to have a quick look inside the mouth.
  • If you keep a lookout for these symptoms then a simple 45 second check really could save your life.
  • If you notice anything out of the ordinary, please speak to your dentist or a doctor.

Mouth Cancer Action Month takes place throughout November and is organised by the Oral Health Foundation.

With around 7,000 Brits diagnosed with mouth cancer last year, the disease is one of the UK’s fastest increasing cancers, with cases rising by a third in the last decade alone.

Survival rates of mouth cancer have not improved in the last 20 years and the oral health charity is concerned that too many are mouth cancers are being diagnosed at a late stage, significantly reducing our chance to beat the disease.

CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE added: “Mouth cancer can appear anywhere in the mouth including the lips, tongue, cheek, throat and gums.

“Mouth cancer can have a devastating effect on a person’s life, impacting on their breathing, eating and speech. Reconstructive surgery could also change their appearance while the experience often has an impact on confidence and self-esteem.

“By developing a greater understanding about the early warning signs and symptoms, the lifestyle factors which increase our risk, and recognising where to go if we notice anything unusual inside our mouth, we can detect mouth cancer early. This will not only improve our chances of beating it but will also reduce the amount of invasive surgery needed to treat it.

“During every dental check-up, your dentist will do a visual examination for mouth cancer and look for anything that might be a cause for concern. That’s why it’s so important to keep regular dental check-ups – it’s not just about the health of our teeth and gums – a trip to the dentist could really be a life saver.”

To book an appointment with St Michaels Dental Practice please call 01924 383369

To find out more information about mouth cancer and Mouth Cancer Action Month, please visit www.mouthcancer.org

 

 

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So your getting braces?

Braces

 

If you’re about to get braces, you’re probably wondering why they’re so important, whether or not they’ll hurt and how long you’ll have to keep them. Get the answers here, plus info on eating with braces and cleaning your braces …

Over 202,300 people in the UK started orthodontic treatment 2014-15!

What are they?

Braces straighten crooked or overcrowded teeth.

There are lots of different types of braces, including see-through ones, white ones, and some that stick to the inside of your teeth.

They exert a steady pressure on the teeth to gradually realign them.

Why have I got to have them?

You’ll get a beautiful smile. Your teeth will be easier to clean (clean teeth = less fillings = less falsies when you’re older).

What will happen at the orthodontist?

The orthodontist is the braces expert. They’ll probably take some X-rays, or some photos of your jaw. You may have to bite down on some mushy stuff or have your teeth scanned to record how your teeth come together.

Once you’re fitted with a brace, you’ll return for check-ups every month or so. The orthodontist may adjust the braces to keep the pressure on your teeth.

Will it hurt?

A little. For a few days after you first get a brace, and for a few days after each adjustment, your mouth may feel a bit sore. But nothing that a pain relief tablet can’t handle. If a wire or bracket is rubbing, smearing on some Vaseline or wax should ease it.

How long will they stay in for?

Fixed braces usually stay in for between eighteen months to two years, but it varies. The longest ever recorded? 20 years. He forgot to go back.

Do I have to stop eating?

No. For a few days after they first go in, you may be advised to stick to soft food. The last thing you want is to dislodge them on a chunk of carrot.

How do I keep them clean?

Braces are like magnets for food. Not only does debris look alarming, but it can also accelerate decay. Clean thoroughly after meals and before bed.

Am I a freak?

No way. Over 202,300 people in the UK started orthodontic treatment in 2014-15 and more adults than ever before are having treatment – often through choice. So just sit tight, safe in the knowledge that you’ll have a killer smile when they come off!

BBC Advice factfiles are here to help young people with a broad range of issues. They’re based on advice from medical professionals, government bodies, charities and other relevant groups. Follow the links for more advice from these organisations.

BBC Advice 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ysR0SgtXwfDxJQJ67H8pBZ/braces

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BE MOUTHAWARE: 45 SECONDS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

M C

Are you able to recognise the changes in your mouth? That’s the question posed by St Michaels Orthodontics as they support a charity campaign to raise awareness of mouth cancer.

St Michaels Orthodontics is urging everyone to be more Mouthaware and recognise the early warning signs of mouth cancer, ahead of November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month.

With awareness of the disease remaining alarmingly low, St Michaels Orthodontics say that a simple 45 second check is often all that’s needed to identify anything unusual and be able to then seek professional guidance.

Catherine McCanny from St Michaels Orthodontics says: “Early diagnosis transforms our chances of beating mouth cancer from 50 per cent to 90 percent so it is crucial that we know what to look out for and that we do not hesitate in seeking advice from a health professional.

“A mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area, can all be potential signs of mouth cancer so it’s important to be aware of any changes occurring inside your mouth.

“Quite often it is easier to notice lumps and bumps on the outside of the body or to dismiss a mouth ulcer as benign. Most of us will spend at least a few minutes every day in front of a mirror brushing our teeth so while we’re there it makes sense to have a quick look inside the mouth.

Check

“If you keep a lookout for these symptoms then a simple 45 second check really could save your life.

“If you notice anything out of the ordinary, please speak to your dentist or a doctor.”

With around 7,000 Brits diagnosed with mouth cancer last year, the disease is one of the UK’s fastest increasing cancers, with cases rising by a third in the last decade alone.

Survival rates of mouth cancer have not improved in the last 20 years and the oral health charity is concerned that too many are mouth cancers are being diagnosed at a late stage, significantly reducing our chance to beat the disease.

CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE added: “Mouth cancer can appear anywhere in the mouth including the lips, tongue, cheek, throat and gums.

“Mouth cancer can have a devastating effect on a person’s life, impacting on their breathing, eating and speech. Reconstructive surgery could also change their appearance while the experience often has an impact on confidence and self-esteem.

“By developing a greater understanding about the early warning signs and symptoms, the lifestyle factors which increase our risk, and recognising where to go if we notice anything unusual inside our mouth, we can detect mouth cancer early. This will not only improve our chances of beating it but will also reduce the amount of invasive surgery needed to treat it.

MC2

“During every dental check-up, your dentist will do a visual examination for mouth cancer and look for anything that might be a cause for concern. That’s why it’s so important to keep regular dental check-ups – it’s not just about the health of our teeth and gums – a trip to the dentist could really be a life saver.”

To find out more information about mouth cancer and Mouth Cancer Action Month, please visit www.mouthcancer.org

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